Kusa Mchaina

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in collaboration with the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) on 13th June 2024 launched the GREAT-LIFE (Linking Infectious Disease Front-liners’ Control Efforts with Central Public Health Authorities in the African Great Lakes Region) Project in Kigoma region which will strengthen the country capacity to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), early detection and timely response against the threats of infectious pathogens of epidemic potential. The launching event was graced by Hon. CGF (rtd) Thobias Andengenye, the Regional Commissioner for Kigoma. In his opening remarks, Hon. Andengenye said that the project has come at an opportune time when the risk and threats of infectious disease outbreaks are on the increase. He was glad to note that the project will improve clinical care of patients, enhance early detection of pathogens of epidemic potential through genomic surveillance and address challenges related to an ever-increasing AMR in the cross-border ecosystem, which is driven by several factors including irrational use of antibiotics and self-medication practices.In his welcoming remarks, the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud assured the delegates that the institute in collaboration with the KCRI and other project partners will ensure that the GREAT-LIFE project implementation in Kigoma is a success. The Kigoma region will be a model for other regions in the country to learn on how integration of genomics in the routine healthcare service is an important tool for infectious diseases surveillance and case management. Further, Prof. Aboud said the project will ensure that the required skills particularly on applying genomics in improving clinical care and supporting the efforts to fight AMR in the region are acquired and applied by the front-liner healthcare service providers. Additionally, Dr. Tolbert Sonda, a genomic and bioinformatic specialist from KCRI, highlighted the strategic decentralization of the Nanopore Sequencing technology in strengthening laboratory capacities for detecting AMR and pathogens of epidemic potential in the cross-border ecosystem. The event took place at Sunset Vista Hotel in Kigoma region. It brought together delegates from the Ministry of Health, Regional Medical Officer, Regional Laboratory Coordinator, Regional Coordinator for Epidemiology & Surveillance, District Medical Officers, District Laboratory Coordinators, the incharge of Nyarugusu Health Centre from Nyarugusu Refugees Camp and delegates from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kasulu offices.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) on 14th June, 2024 conducted user acceptance test (UAT) workshop to test validity of the National Research Ethics Information Management System (NREIMS) as a tool for the online health research protocol review and approval at both the National and Institutional levels of ethics clearance processes in one portal.In his opening remarks, on behalf of NIMR Director General, the Director of Research Coordination and Promotion, Dr Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, said NREIMS is one of the hallmark achievements of NIMR and all stakeholders of health research regulation in Tanzania. Additionally, Dr. Ntinginya emphasized that during the workshop participants should be able to navigate throughout the system and learn the functionalities of this multi-IRB health research clearance system hence the name National Research Ethics Information Management System. Further, he urged participants to be keen during the workshop to learn, validate and identify challenges if any so that they can be fixed immediately before the acceptance of the system.Furthermore, NIMR Principal Research Officer and Co-PI of the EDCTP funded project namely the Consortium for Clinical Research and Ethics Capacity in the Eastern Africa Region (CCRREEA), Dr. Mwanaidi Kafuye, said that NREIMS is the main deliverables of the CCRREEA project in Tanzania.The workshop took place at NIMR headquarters. The workshop brought together NatHREC Secretariat that included administrators, reviewers, researchers, ICT personnel and management for purpose of testing the validity of the system

Staff of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) on 3rd June 2024 congratulated NIMR Director General, Professor Said Aboud, for receiving two consecutive prestigious awards namely 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 on 30th May 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe and 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 on 31st May 2024 in Tanga, Tanzania.We are incredibly proud of Professor Said Aboud for his remarkable achievements and for elevating NIMR’s reputation both nationally and internationally, his commitment and leadership are truly inspiring.Join us in celebrating Professor Aboud! We are honored to have such a capable and distinguished leader.

At the forefront of innovative research initiatives stands the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), spearheaded by Professor Said Aboud, Director General of the institute. Recently, NIMR made waves in the scientific community with the introduction of a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing the study of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through mobile phone surveys. Professor Said Aboud’s visionary leadership has propelled NIMR into the vanguard of healthcare innovation. Under his guidance, the institute has embraced technological advancements to tackle pressing health challenges, with a particular focus on NCDs. Through his steadfast commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approach, Professor Said Aboud has set the stage for transformative research endeavors at NIMR. One of the key figures driving this paradigm shift is Dr. Mary Mayige, the Director of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs at NIMR. With her expertise and passion for advancing medical knowledge, Dr. Mayige has played a pivotal role in shaping NIMR’s research agenda, particularly in the realm of NCDs. Her dedication to methodological rigor and commitment to inclusivity have been instrumental in propelling NIMR’s Mobile Phone Survey Initiative forward. The integration of mobile phone surveys into NIMR’s research portfolio marks a significant milestone in the institute’s quest to unravel the complexities of NCDs. By leveraging the ubiquity of mobile phones, NIMR aims to gather real-time data on disease prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcomes. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of data collection but also fosters greater inclusivity by engaging diverse populations in research endeavors. Dr. Mayige’s expertise in research methodology and data analysis has been invaluable in driving the success of this initiative. Her tireless efforts to ensure the reliability and validity of research findings have cemented NIMR’s reputation as a leader in NCD research. Through her collaborative approach and unwavering dedication to scientific excellence, Dr. Mayige continues to inspire meaningful advancements in healthcare at NIMR. As NIMR forges ahead with its Mobile Phone Survey Initiative, collaboration remains paramount. By partnering with healthcare institutions, technology experts, and community stakeholders, NIMR aims to amplify the impact of its research endeavors and catalyze positive change in the fight against NCDs. Together, Professor Said Aboud, Dr. Mary Mayige, and the entire NIMR team stand poised to unlock new frontiers in NCD studies, paving the way for healthier communities and a brighter future for all.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) recently underwent a significant digital transformation, spearheaded by its Director-General, Prof. Said Aboud. The implementation of the eBoard system marks a milestone in enhancing efficiency in coordinating management meetings and the Institute’s Council. In his opening address, Prof. Said Aboud highlighted the pivotal role the eBoard system would play in revolutionizing the management process. This digital platform enables the secretariat to prepare agendas, meeting summaries, and track matters arising from discussions, paving the way for seamless production of performance reports throughout the year. One of the system’s key features is its capability to consolidate all meeting information into a centralized hub, ensuring timely access to critical reports. Moreover, the transition to digital processes will significantly reduce paper usage, aligning with NIMR’s commitment to sustainability. Prof. Aboud also emphasized the system’s flexibility, enabling participants to join meetings remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility fosters inclusivity and efficiency, allowing stakeholders to contribute regardless of their physical location. The comprehensive one-day training, conducted at the NIMR headquarters with support from facilitators from the e-Government Authority, underscores the Institute’s dedication to embracing cutting-edge technology. By simplifying and streamlining the coordination of management meetings and Council activities, the eBoard system sets a new standard for advancing health research and enhancing operational efficacy at NIMR.

In a concerted effort to enhance healthcare delivery, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) convened a pivotal multi-disciplinary workshop today, drawing together a diverse array of stakeholders. From esteemed researchers to Ministry of Health delegates, PEPFAR implementing partners, laboratory experts, system analysts, and software engineers, the gathering exemplified a collaborative spirit aimed at revolutionizing healthcare systems. At the heart of this endeavor lies the LIFE2Scale study, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by NIMR. Professor Said Aboud, Director General of NIMR, underscored the institute’s commitment to leveraging the study to integrate e-health platforms seamlessly. The primary objective? To expedite the dissemination of HIV test results, particularly focusing on maternal HIV viral load and Early Infant Diagnosis, particularly in Tanzania’s unique settings. The significance of this workshop cannot be overstated. It represents a critical step towards bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory digital platforms, thereby streamlining processes and expediting crucial healthcare outcomes. This initiative, integral to the LIFE2Scale Study, aligns with the broader goal of optimizing the identification of mother-infant pairs at high risk for vertical HIV transmission. Collaboration lies at the core of NIMR’s approach. Partnering with esteemed institutions such as Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS) in Mozambique, the University of Munich (LMU) in Germany, and the University of Liverpool in the UK, NIMR is poised to drive meaningful change. Over a two-year period, these collaborative efforts will pave the way for innovative solutions with far-reaching implications for healthcare delivery. Beyond the LIFE2Scale Study, NIMR remains steadfast in its support of the government’s healthcare initiatives. By designing, implementing, and testing interventions that address real-life challenges, NIMR is at the forefront of advancing health research and enhancing life. This workshop marks a significant milestone in NIMR’s journey towards digital health solutions. As the institute continues to forge ahead, it is poised to reshape the landscape of healthcare delivery in Tanzania and beyond.

The NIMR Gonja Research Station is witnessing a period of dynamic growth and activity, facilitated by the seamless integration of five newly hired staff, all under the guidance of the dedicated NIMR Management team. The station is now poised for a significant milestone—the imminent inauguration of the “Research-based Diagnostic Unit.” Under the leadership of Mr. Franklin Magogo, Acting Head of Station, a notable event occurred on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. A team, representing NIMR Gonja Research Station, paid a diplomatic visit to the District Medical Officer’s Office in Same DC. The primary objective of this visit was to fortify and formalize the collaborative linkages between NIMR and the healthcare facilities in the surrounding area. This strategic collaboration is particularly pivotal as it sets the stage for the inauguration of the Research-based Diagnostic Unit. The unit is anticipated to bring forth advanced functionalities and capabilities, significantly enhancing the station’s capacity to serve the residents in the vicinity. The visit to the DMO’s Office underscores NIMR Gonja Research Station’s commitment to fostering partnerships within the healthcare sector. Such collaborative efforts are integral to the station’s mission of seamlessly integrating research with practical healthcare applications. As we await the inauguration of the Research-based Diagnostic Unit, the station stands poised to contribute to the local community with unparalleled dedication and efficiency. This endeavor signifies not only a commitment to research excellence but also a tangible impact on the health and well-being of the community. Stay tuned for forthcoming updates as NIMR Gonja Research Station continues its trajectory towards excellence, exemplifying the convergence of research and healthcare for the betterment of society.